Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What does the Health Service at Vassar provide?
- What is the response to an emergency?
- What hospital will the student be sent to?
- What if a student falls ill during the night when the health service is closed?
- Who has access to the student’s medical record?
- Will parents be notified if a student is ill?
- What happens if a student is sick and cannot study?
- If a student has a chronic illness how is their treatment maintained?
- How will a student get a prescription filled?
- Are there any charges if students are seen at the Health Service?
- What does the Student Health Insurance cover?
- Can I get the meningitis immunization at Vassar?
What does the Health Service at Vassar provide?
Vassar College Health Service provides primary medical care to students throughout the academic year and is open while students are in residence weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and weekends 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The staff at the Health Service consists of health care professionals with many years combined experience in identifying and treating the full spectrum of medical problems that can occur in students.
What is the response to an emergency?
For serious accidents or dangerous illness call the Campus Response Center at (845) 437-7333 immediately to request E.M.S and security response. There is a registered nurse on duty from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Health Service during the week and from 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. weekends to evaluate emergencies and there is a medical staff member on call. The Vassar College campus is served by local fire and emergency medical service companies as well.
What hospital will the student be sent to?
Most will be transported to either the following local facilities:
- Vassar Brothers Medical Center (845) 454-8500
- MidHudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center (formerly St Francis) Emergency Room (845) 483-5000
What if a student falls ill during the night when the health service is closed?
The Health Service is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. When the Health Service is closed and there is an emergency call E.M.S/Security at (845) 437-7333 for emergency response. If you have a less urgent problem but are unsure of the need for immediate care, contact the campus response center (CRC) at (845) 437-5221. They will notify the emergency medical technician (EMT) on-call who will help decide if you need immediate care, as well as coordinate transfer to a local health care facility, or if you can wait until the Health Service opens in the morning.
There are the following college professionals on call at all times:
- Medical staff
- Mental Health Counselor
- College Administrator
- Security
Who has access to the student’s medical record?
The professional health care staff at the Health Service have access to the medical records and they are kept confidential. The student needs to sign a medical records release to allow someone else access to their medical records. You may review our Confidentiality and Medical Records policy electronically, as well as receive a copy from the front desk of the Health Service.
Will parents be notified if a student is ill?
Generally, parents are not called if a student is ill unless the student requests parental notification or if the student has a very serious injury or illness. We feel that it is the student’s responsibility to notify parents for most deviations from health and encourage students to do so.
What happens if a student is sick and cannot study?
We recommend that students be seen at Health Service during their illness/injury so that we may give timely care. We ask that students discuss their absence from class or inability to do work with their professors.
If a student has a chronic illness how is their treatment maintained?
Many students with chronic illness can be monitored by the Health Service and/or by local specialists while they are at Vassar. We request that students with chronic conditions bring their medical records with them so that this information is in their chart and we can coordinate their care.
How will a student get a prescription filled?
When seen at the Health Service and prescription medication is needed, it can be obtained at the Health Service (if available) and paid using VCASH or it can be e-prescribed and filled at a local pharmacy. Prescriptions from a doctor outside of the Health Service can be filled at a local pharmacy or an appointment can be made with a medical staff member to obtain the medication (if available) at the Health Service. Please see our billing information. Directions to local pharmacies and other resources are also available. Some local pharmacies will deliver to campus. Please call the Health Service for more information.
Are there any charges if students are seen at the Health Service?
The health fee covers the cost of most visits to the Health service. There are charges for in house tests such as allergy injections, ear irrigations and immunizations, as well as for medications and supplies that are maintained in the office for students' convenience, should the student choose to receive them. For more details, please refer to our billing information.
What does the Student Health Insurance cover?
Health Service visits are available to all students regardless of their insurance. Much of the cost of prescribed medications and laboratory tests are covered by the Vassar College Student Insurance. Additionally, there is coverage towards emergency room visits, outside specialist referral, diagnostic imaging and hospitalization. The insurance is offered through Gallagher Student Health and Special Risk and plan details can be obtained through their website. This is a PPO plan which uses United Healthcare as the Preferred Provider network. The coverage is customized for Vassar students. Please see the student health insurance brochure for complete details.
Can I get the meningitis immunization at Vassar?
Yes and you can also get allergy or flu shots, travel immunizations and advice.